Light supply unit, illumination unit, and illumination system

ABSTRACT

A light supply unit comprises optical fibers, LEDs, optical connectors, and a controller. The optical fibers constitute optical fiber groups which extend to their respective illumination positions different from each other. The optical connectors optically connect one ends of the optical fibers to the respective LEDs. The controller controls light emissions of the respective LEDs.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.11/256,181, filed Oct. 24, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,360,934 the entirecontent of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a light supply unit, an illuminationunit, and an illumination system comprising semiconductor light emittingdevices such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) or laser diodes (LDs).

2. Related Background Art

Various types of white LEDs and LDs have been developed in recent years.The white LEDs (LDs) emit white light by mixing blue light orultraviolet light with fluorescent light excited by the blue light orthe ultraviolet light. GaN-based or ZnSe-based blue LEDs (LDs) can emitthe blue light, and GaN-based ultraviolet LEDs (LDs) can emit theultraviolet light.

There are proposed illumination systems comprising such white LEDs. Forexample, a conventional illumination system 100, shown in FIG. 1,comprises a plurality of LEDs 101 arranged on a substrate 102. The LEDs101 are supplied with a supply voltage to emit light. The supply voltageis supplied through a wire 103.

An example of conventional illumination system having a plurality ofLEDs is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.2000-21206. In the illumination system, light from the LEDs is guidedinto a plurality of optical fibers forming an optical fiber bundle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In the illumination systems having semiconductor light emitting devicessuch as the LEDs, heat is generated by part of the power supplied to thesemiconductor light emitting devices. The heat causes increase in thetemperature around the semiconductor light emitting devices. Thereby,adverse effects will occur, such as reduction in internal quantumefficiency, reduction in light extraction efficiency, and decrease ofthe lifetime. An illumination system is required to generate asufficient quantity of light in a limited space. But if semiconductorlight emitting devices are arranged so densely, the foregoing adverseeffects will occur. If the power supplied to the semiconductor lightemitting devises is increased, a large electric current will flowthrough wire, so as to increase concerns about troubles such as a shortcircuit. If the number of semiconductor light emitting devices isreduced or the power to be supplied to the semiconductor light emittingdevices is reduced in order to suppress the foregoing adverse effects,the illumination system will result in shortage of illuminationintensity, which is not practical.

In the illumination system disclosed in Japanese Patent ApplicationLaid-Open No. 2000-21206, the light intensities of the LEDs are adjustedtogether by PWM. In this illumination system, however, consideration isgiven to adjustment of the light intensities only at one illuminationposition. Therefore, for illuminating a plurality of illuminationpositions, a plurality of illumination systems corresponding to theillumination positions adjust individually in the illuminationintensity. Because of that, the illumination systems can't adjustefficiently illumination intensities at the respective illuminationpositions. Then, for example, in case of constructing an energy savingsystem for reusing the heat generated from the LEDs, we have to reusethe heat individually generated from the illumination systems, and itwill be difficult to efficiently reuse the heat.

In the above circumstances, it is an object of the present invention toprovide a light supply unit, an illumination unit, and an illuminationsystem which is able to adjust efficiently illumination intensities atleast two illumination positions, and to radiate (reuse) efficientlyheat generated in semiconductor light emitting devices.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the present inventionprovides a light supply unit comprising at least two optical fibergroups including a plurality of optical fibers having first ends andsecond ends; a plurality of semiconductor light emitting devices; aplurality of optical connectors, provided for the respectivesemiconductor light emitting devices, for optically connecting the firstends of the optical fibers to the respective semiconductor lightemitting devices; and a controller, electrically connected to thesemiconductor light-emitting devices, for controlling light emissions ofthe semiconductor light emitting devices; wherein said optical fibergroups extend from the first ends to respective illumination positionsdifferent from each other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration showing a conventional illumination system;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the illuminationsystem according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing a light supply unit accordingto the embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing a controller of the lightsupply unit according to the embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram showing an illumination unit accordingto the embodiment;

FIG. 6-8 are configuration diagrams showing variations of anillumination unit of the embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram showing a variation of the lightsupply unit of the embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram showing a first modified embodimentof the light supply unit according to the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram showing a second modified embodimentof the light supply unit according to the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram showing a third modified embodimentof the light supply unit according to the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram showing a fourth modified embodimentof the light supply unit according to the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a configuration diagram showing a fifth modified embodimentof the light supply unit according to the present invention;

FIG. 15 is an illustration showing a first example of the illuminationsystem according to the present invention;

FIG. 16 is an illustration showing a second example of the illuminationsystem according to the present invention;

FIG. 17 is an illustration showing a third example of the illuminationsystem according to the present invention;

FIG. 18 is an illustration showing a fourth example of the illuminationsystem according to the present invention;

FIG. 19 is an illustration showing a fifth example of the illuminationsystem according to the present invention;

FIG. 20 is an illustration showing a sixth example of the illuminationsystem according to the present invention;

FIG. 21 is an illustration showing a seventh example of the illuminationsystem according to the present invention;

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following, the present invention will be explained in detail withreference to the drawings.

First Embodiment

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the illuminationsystem according to the present invention. Referring to FIG. 2, theillumination system 1 according to the present embodiment is providedwith a light supply unit 3, and illumination units 5 a and 5 b. Thelight supply unit 3 has a main body 30 and two optical fiber groups 7 aand 7 b. The optical fiber groups 7 a and 7 b include a plurality ofoptical fibers 7. The optical fiber groups 7 a and 7 b extend from oneends, which are the first ends in the present embodiment, to theirrespective illumination positions different from each other. The firstends of the optical fibers 7 are optically coupled to the main body 30of the light supply unit 3. The other ends, which are the second ends inthe present embodiment, of the optical fibers 7 belonging to the opticalfiber group 7 a are optically coupled to the illumination unit 5 a. Theother ends, which are also the second ends in the present embodiment, ofthe optical fibers 7 belonging to the optical fiber group 7 b areoptically coupled to the illumination unit 5 b. The illumination units 5a and 5 b are located at the respective illumination positions. In thepresent embodiment, the light supply unit 3 has six optical fibers 7,three of which constitute the optical fiber group 7 a and the otherthree of which constitute the optical fiber group 7 b.

The light supply unit 3 is an apparatus for supplying illumination lightto the illumination units 5 a and 5 b. The main body 30 of the lightsupply unit 3 is located, for example, at a place distant from theillumination units 5 a and 5 b. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagramshowing the light supply unit 3 of the present embodiment. Referring toFIG. 3, the main body 30 comprises a controller 31, a housing 32, aconverter 33, a communicator 35, a plug 40, an antenna 42, a radiatorplate 43, and a module 49. The controller 31, the converter 33, and thecommunicator 35 are contained in the housing 32.

The module 49 has a substrate 37, semiconductor light emitting devices39 a-39 g such as LEDs or LDs, and photo units 41 a-41 g. The photounits 41 a-41 g are packages with optical connectors provided for therespective light emitting devices 39 a-39 g, and the light emittingdevices 39 a-39 g are mounted on the respective photo units 41 a-41 g.The photo units 41 a-41 g are mounted on the substrate 37 which iscontained in the housing 32. The photo units 41 a-41 g optically connectthe first ends of the optical fibers 7 to the respective light emittingdevices 39 a-39 g. Namely, the photo units 41 a-41 g hold the first endsof the optical fibers 7 so that light from each light emitting device 39a-39 g is incident to the first end of the corresponding optical fiber7. The photo units 41 a-41 g may have collective lenses respectively forcollecting the light from the light emitting devices 39 a-39 g. Therespective photo units 41 a-41 g may have filters respectively forchanging the color tone of the light from the light emitting devices 39a-39 g. The photo units 41 a-41 g are preferably those with smallcoupling loss and preferably those with high heat resistance and weatherresistance.

The light emitting devices 39 a-39 c out of the light emitting devices39 a-39 g are provided corresponding to the respective optical fibers 7in the optical fiber group 7 a. The light emitting devices 39 e-39 g areprovided corresponding to the respective optical fibers 7 in the opticalfiber group 7 b. The light emitting devices 39 a-39 g can be, forexample, lamp type LEDs, surface emission-type LEDs, and so on. Thelight emitting devices 39 a-39 g can be LEDs or LDs to emit visiblelight such as red, green, or blue. Among these, the blue LEDs and LDssuitably applicable are, for example, those made of a GaN-basedsemiconductor or a ZnSe-based semiconductor.

The light emitting devices 39 a-39 g can also be white LEDs, ultravioletLEDs or LDs, or the like. The white LEDs can be selected according topurpose from those of various types. A type of those can emit whitelight by mixing of fluorescent yellow light from a fluorescent substanceexcited by blue light from a blue LED or LD, with the blue light.Another type of those has a red LED (or a red LD), a green LED (or agreen LD), and a blue LED (or a blue LD). Another type of those can emitwhite light by mixing of fluorescent red light, fluorescent green light,and fluorescent blue light emitted from fluorescent substances excitedby the ultraviolet LEDs (or the ultraviolet LDs) or the like. Thepresent embodiment is assumed to use ultraviolet LEDs as the lightemitting devices 39 a-39 g. The ultraviolet LEDs suitably applicableherein are, for example, those made of a GaN-based semiconductor.

The optical fibers 7 suitably applicable are those with smalltransmission loss for the emission wavelength of the light emittingdevices 39 a-39 g. Plastic optical fibers or silica fibers can be usedas the optical fibers 7 according to use. Particularly, where the LEDsare used as semiconductor light emitting devices, the coupling lossbetween light emitting devices 39 a-39 g and optical fibers 7 can bekept low by use of plastic fibers with a large core diameter and a largenumerical aperture. PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate) or PC (polycarbonate)type fibers can be suitably applied as the plastic fibers. The PC fibershave high heat resistance but have the transmission loss larger than thePMMA fibers. Therefore, either of them can be suitably used according touse. Where the distance is relatively large between the main body 30 ofthe light supply unit 3 and the illumination unit 5 a (5 b), it ispreferable to use HPCF (hard polymer clad fiber) with smallertransmission loss. The length of the optical fibers 7 is a lengthnecessary for wiring and is generally not less than 3 [m]. Thetransmission loss of the optical fibers 7 is, for example, 400 [dB/km]or less, preferably 50 [dB/km] or less, and still more preferably 20[dB/km] or less for light wavelengths of 0.4-0.6 [μm]. Since the HPCFshave a smaller core diameter than the PC and PMMA fibers, it ispreferable to provide collective lenses such as ball lenses inside thephoto units 41 a-41 g in use of the HPCFs. The coupling efficiencybetween optical fibers 7 and light emitting devices 39 a-39 g can beincreased by forming microlenses on surfaces of light emitting devices39 a-39 g, or by use of LEDs adjusted in the direction of emission oflight by a photonic crystal, such as a photonic crystal slab or aphotonic crystal which includes microscopic cylinder.

The substrate 37 is made of a material, for example, selected frommetals with excellent heat conduction such as Cu and Al, compositematerials such as Cu—W and Al—SiC, ceramics such as AlN and BN, andmaterials such as CVD diamond. The substrate 37 functions as a heat sinkfor radiating heat generated in the light emitting devices 39 a-39 g.The substrate 37 is arranged so that the edge thereof is in contact withthe radiator plate 43. The radiator plate 43 has a plurality ofradiating fins projected to the outside of the housing 32. The heatgenerated in the light emitting devices 39 a-39 g is radiated throughthe substrate 37 and the radiator plate 43 to the outside of the housing32. The photo units 41 a-41 g are preferably arranged on the substrate37 with an appropriate spacing so as to enhance the heat radiation ofthe light emitting devices 39 a-39 g. In order to more efficientlyradiate the heat from the light emitting devices 39 a-39 g, the lightemitting devices 39 a-39 g are preferably mounted by flip chip bondingor by face down bonding in the photo units 41 a-41 g.

The converter 33 is a device for converting an AC power P1 supplied fromthe outside of the light supply unit 3, into a DC power P2. Theconverter 33 is electrically connected through wire 34 a to plug 40 andis also electrically connected through wire 34 b to controller 31. Theplug 40 is plugged, for example, into a socket for distribution of ACpower set in a building or the like. The converter 33 receives the ACpower P1 through plug 40 and wire 34 a from the AC power distributionsocket. The converter 33 converts the AC power P1 into the DC power P2through commutation or the like and supplies the DC power P2 throughwire 34 b to the controller 31.

The communicator 35 is a device for receiving an indication signal S1indicating the light emissions of the light emitting devices 39 a-39 gfrom the outside of the light supply unit 3, and for providing theindication signal for the controller 31. The communicator 35 iselectrically connected through wire 36 a to antenna 42 and is alsoelectrically connected through wire 36 b to the controller 31. Theantenna 42 receives the indication signal S1 from the outside of thelight supply unit 3 by radio. In the present embodiment the indicationsignal S1 is transmitted from the illumination units 5 a and 5 b. Thecommunicator 35 receives the indication signal S1 and converts theindication signal S1 into an indication signal S2 of a preferred form tobe provided for the controller 31. The communicator 35 provides theindication signal S2 through wire 36 b to the controller 31.

The controller 31 is a device for controlling the light emissions of therespective light emitting devices 39 a-39 g. The controller 31 iselectrically connected through wires 38 a-38 g to the light emittingdevices 39 a-39 g. The controller 31 generates drive voltages Sa-Sg forthe light emitting devices 39 a-39 g according to the indication signalS2 from the communicator 35. The controller 31 provides the drivevoltages Sa-Sg for the light emitting devices 39 a-39 g. The controller31 can be suitably configured to adjust light emission intensities ofthe light emitting devices 39 a-39 g so as to alleviate heat of thelight emitting devices 39 a-39 g, based on the indication contents ofthe indication signal S2 and, in addition thereto, for example, based oncontinuous operation times, power consumptions, etc. of the lightemitting devices 39 a-39 g. In this case, the controller 3 can besuitably configured to control the total light emission intensity of allthe light emitting devices 39 a-39 g in consideration of necessary lightintensities at the respective illumination positions, for example, bymainly reducing the light emission intensities of light emitting devicesfor providing light to the illumination position with lower priority.Alternatively, the controller 31 can be configured to temporally controlthe light emission intensities of the light emitting devices 39 a-39 g,for example, so as to turn off the light emitting devices if theillumination time exceeds a predetermined time; this permits the lightsupply unit 3 to suitably perform an energy saving operation.

The controller 31, shown in FIG. 4, is preferably comprised of acomputer with a CPU 31 a and a memory 31 b, for example. In this case, aprogram for controlling the light emissions of the light emittingdevices 39 a-39 g is stored in the memory 31 b. The CPU 31 a reads theprogram from the memory 31 b and executes the program. The controller 31is preferably provided with a recorder 31 c such as a memory forrecording operation logs of the light emitting devices 39 a-39 g.Alternatively, the controller 31 is preferably provided with an outputterminal 31 d for outputting the operation log data of the lightemitting devices 39 a-39 g to the outside of the light supply unit 3.When the controller 31 is provided with either of these recorder 31 cand output terminal 31 d, it becomes feasible to extract the operationlogs of the light emitting devices 39 a-39 g and to use the operationlogs for design of an energy saving system.

Reference is made again to FIG. 1. The illumination units 5 a and 5 bare devices for irradiating the light supplied from the light supplyunit 3, as illumination light. FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram showingthe illumination unit 5 a (5 b) of the present embodiment. Withreference to FIG. 5, the illumination unit 5 a (5 b) is provided withoptical connectors 51, fluorescent parts 53, a base 55, a remote-controlsignal receiver 57, and a radiowave output terminal 59.

There are a plurality of optical connectors 51 and fluorescent parts 53provided as paired. The optical connectors 51 and fluorescent parts 53are fixed on the flat-plate base 55. In the present embodiment, theoptical connectors 51 and fluorescent parts 53 are provided three eachcorresponding to the number of optical fibers 7 constituting the opticalfiber group 7 a (7 b). Each optical connector 51 is a holder for holdingthe second end of optical fiber 7. The optical connector 51 holds thesecond end of optical fiber 7 so that the light from the optical fiber 7is projected in directions of illumination (arrows L in the drawing).

The fluorescent parts 53 are excited by ultraviolet light from the lightemitting devices 39 a-39 c (39 e-39 g) of the light supply unit 3 toemit fluorescent visible light (red light, green light, and blue lightin the present embodiment) of a longer wavelength than the ultravioletlight. The red light, green light, and blue light from the fluorescentparts 53 are mixed to yield white light, and the white light isprojected to the illumination directions. The fluorescent light color ofthe fluorescent parts 53 may be one of red light, green light, and bluelight, or may be another color. For example, where the light emittingdevices 39 a-39 c (39 e-39 g) of the light supply unit 3 emit bluelight, the fluorescent light color of the fluorescent parts 53 can beyellow color, whereby white light can be suitably generated throughmixing of the blue light with the fluorescent yellow light. Thefluorescent light color of the fluorescent parts 53 can be suitablydetermined according to preference or necessity of the illuminationcolor. The fluorescent parts 53 may be selected from solid fluorescentsubstances, resins containing fluorescent particles, and those in whicha thin film having a fluorescent material formed on a surface of atransparent member. Since in the present embodiment the light emittingdevices 39 a-39 c emit the ultraviolet light, it is also possible to usefluorescent materials used in the conventional fluorescent tubes.

The remote-control signal receiver 57 is a device for receiving anindication signal from a remote controller. The remote controller givesindications such as adjustment of illumination intensity, an off time,etc. in addition to on/off of illumination. The remote-control signalreceiver 57 receives these indications from the remote controller in theform of an infrared light signal or radio wave signal, and converts theinfrared light signal or radio wave signal into the indication signal S1being an electric signal. The remote-control signal receiver 57 sendsthe indication signal S1 from the radiowave output terminal 59 by radio.The indication signal S1 is received through the antenna 42 by thecommunicator 35 in the light supply unit 3.

As shown in FIG. 6, the illumination unit 5 a (5 b) may comprise afilter 52. The filter 52 may be a color filter and/or a light diffusingfilter. In the present embodiment, where the illumination unit 5 a (5 b)is provided with the filter 52, the filter 52 is optically coupledthrough the fluorescent parts 53 to the second ends of the opticalfibers 7. When the illumination unit 5 a (5 b) is provided with thefilter 52, it becomes feasible to readily adjust the color tone andlight distribution of the illumination color.

The illumination unit 5 a (5 b) may comprise lenses 54 shown in FIG. 7and/or a light reflector such as a mirror 56 shown in FIG. 8. In thepresent embodiment, where the illumination unit 5 a (5 b) is providedwith the lenses 54 and/or the light reflector 56, the lenses 54 and thelight reflector 56 are optically coupled through the fluorescent parts53 to the second ends of the optical fibers 7. When the illuminationunit 5 a (5 b) is provided with at least one of the lenses 54 and thelight reflector 56, it becomes feasible to adopt various lightdistribution designs for the illumination unit 5 a (5 b), such asdiffusion or collection of illumination, or reflection.

It is noted that the light supply unit 3 may be provided with the filter52, the fluorescent part 53, the lens 54, and the mirror 56. As shown inFIG. 9, the filter 52, the fluorescent part 53, the lens 54, and themirror 56 may be located at the second end of the optical fiber 7.

The illumination system 1 of the configuration described above operatesas follows. First, the remote-control signal receiver 57 of theillumination unit 5 a (5 b) receives an indication of lighting from theremote controller. The remote-control signal receiver 57 converts theindication from the remote controller into the indication signal S1 andsends it on a radio wave. The communicator 35 of the light supply unit 3receives the indication signal S1 from the remote-control signalreceiver 57, converts the indication signal S1 into the indicationsignal S2, and provides the indication signal S2 for the controller 31.Based on the indication signal S2, the controller 31 sends drive signalsSa-Sc (Se-Sg) to the light emitting devices 39 a-39 c (39 e-39 g). Thelight emitting devices 39 a-39 c (39 e-39 g) receive the drive signalsSa-Sc (Se-Sg) and emit the ultraviolet light. The ultraviolet light fromthe light emitting devices 39 a-39 c (39 e-39 g) is incident into firstends of the optical fibers 7 constituting the optical fiber group 7 a (7b), and travels through the optical fibers 7 to reach the illuminationunit 5 a (5 b). In the illumination unit 5 a (5 b), the fluorescentparts 53 are excited by the ultraviolet light from the light emittingdevices 39 a-39 c (39 e-39 g), to generate the red light, green light,and blue light. Then these lights are mixed to yield white light andthis white light is projected as illumination light to the outside ofthe illumination unit 5 a (5 b).

Thereafter, according to indications such as extinction, adjustment ofillumination intensity, and an extinction time from the remotecontroller, the controller 31 adjusts the drive signals Sa-Sc (Se-Sg) byan operation similar to the above-described operation, to control thelight emission (lighting intensity and lighting time) of the lightemitting devices 39 a-39 c (39 e-39 g). The controller 31 also adjuststhe light emission intensity of the light emitting devices 39 a-39 g soas to alleviate the total heat of the light emitting devices 39 a-39 g,based on required light intensities, continuous operation times, powerconsumptions, etc. of the respective light emitting devices 39 a-39 g.

The illumination system 1, the light supply unit 3, and the illuminationunits 5 a and 5 b according to the present embodiment described abovehave the following effects. Specifically, the light supply unit 3according to the present embodiment permits the plurality of lightemitting devices 39 a-39 g, which provide the light for the twoillumination units 5 a and 5 b, to be housed in one main body 30. Sincethe main body 30, which includes the plurality of light emitting devices39 a-39 g, is separated through the optical fibers 7 from theillumination units 5 a and 5 b, the light supply unit 3 has higherdegrees of freedom for arrangement of the light emitting devices 39 a-39g than the conventional illumination apparatus, and permits the lightemitting devices 39 a-39 g to be arranged with any required separationbetween them. In addition, the heat from the plurality of light emittingdevices 39 a-39 g for providing the light for the two illumination units5 a and 5 b can be radiated together through the radiator plate 43.Accordingly, the light supply unit 3 of the present embodiment enablesefficient radiation of the heat generated in the light emitting devices39 a-39 g. In the light supply unit 3 of the present embodiment, thecontroller 31 collectively controls the light emission of the respectivelight emitting devices 39 a-39 g, and it is thus feasible to efficientlyadjust the illumination intensities in the illumination units 5 a and 5b.

Since the light supply unit 3 of the present embodiment is arranged tosupply the light to each illumination position, no large current flowsthrough wire, so as to eliminate concerns about troubles such as a shortcircuit. Since the light supply unit 3 can be placed irrespective of theillumination positions, the light supply unit 3 can be installed at apreferred place such as a well-ventilated place. Since the light supplyunit 3 is provided with the light emitting devices 39 a-39 g, theillumination units 5 a and 5 b do not have to be equipped withfacilities such as a control circuit and a power supply. For example,the conventional illumination apparatus shown in FIG. 1 needs to havedrive and control circuits such as an AC/DC converter and a switch fordriving the light emitting devices. According to the light supply unit 3of the present embodiment, these functions all are housed in the lightsupply unit 3, whereby it is feasible to produce the illumination units5 a and 5 b light in weight and low in cost, to enhance degrees offreedom for light distribution design and exterior design, and tofacilitate maintenance and management. Particularly, in cases where alot of small illumination lights, such as guide lights to audience seatsin a movie theater, and security lights in a building, are installed,the light supply unit 3 of the present invention can be suitably appliedwith the control circuit for each of the illumination lights together,which is economical. If one is bored with the design of the illuminationunits 5 a and 5 b, the illumination units 5 a and 5 b only will bereplaced simply with other units. Since the illumination units 5 a and 5b include no light emitting device, they are readily recycled.

The light supply unit 3, as in the present embodiment, is preferablyprovided with the converter 33 electrically connected to the controller31 and configured to convert the AC power P1 supplied from the outside,into the DC power P2 and to supply the DC power P2 to the controller 31.This permits the light supply unit 3 to be suitably used in buildingsand others under supply of the AC power.

The light supply unit 3, as in the present embodiment, is preferablyprovided with the communicator 35 electrically connected to thecontroller 31 and configured to receive the indication signal S1 forindication of the light emission of the light emitting devices 39 a-39 gfrom the outside and to provide the indication signal for the controller31. This makes it feasible to suitably provide the indication such asthe light emission intensity to the light supply unit 3 from a place(e.g., the illumination position) distant from the light supply unit 3.

The light emitting devices 39 a-39 g are preferably the ultraviolet LEDsor LDs as in the present embodiment. For example, where white LEDs areused as the light emitting devices 39 a-39 g, amounts of absorption oflight in the optical fibers 7 differ depending upon wavelengths becauseof dispersion in the optical fibers 7, and the illumination color in theillumination unit 5 a (5 b) is slightly different from the emissioncolor in the light emitting devices 39 a-39 g. In addition, the lengthof the optical fibers 7 to the illumination unit 5 a is different fromthe length of the optical fibers 7 to the illumination unit 5 b, wherebythe illumination colors in the respective illumination units differ fromeach other. Therefore, the illumination color as expected can beobtained in the illumination units 5 a and 5 b by adopting theconfiguration wherein the monochromatic light from the ultraviolet LEDs(or the ultraviolet LDs) is fed through the optical fibers 7 to theillumination units 5 a and 5 b and wherein it is converted into whitelight by the fluorescent parts 53, as in the light supply unit 3 of thepresent embodiment. This effect is also achieved similarly by use of theblue LEDs or LDs, as well as the ultraviolet LEDs or LDs. The white LEDsor LDs may also be used in cases where the length of optical fibers 7 isrelatively short.

The illumination units 5 a and 5 b, as in the present embodiment, arepreferably provided with the fluorescent parts 53 optically coupled tothe second ends of the optical fibers 7 and excited by the ultravioletlight or blue light from the light emitting devices 39 a-39 g to emitvisible light of the longer wavelength than the ultraviolet light orblue light. This permits a predetermined illumination color to beobtained, for example, through mixing with the visible light from thefluorescent parts 53 excited by the ultraviolet light or blue light fromthe light emitting devices 39 a-39 g. Since the illumination units 5 aand 5 b are located apart from the main body 30 of the light supply unit3, the fluorescent parts 53 are separated from the light emittingdevices 39 a-39 g, and thus the fluorescent parts 53 are free ofinfluence of the heat from the light emitting devices 39 a-39 g.Therefore, it is feasible to suppress deterioration of the fluorescentparts 53 (reduction in transmittance and in emission efficiency) and toenhance the lifetime and reliability.

The illumination system 1 of the present embodiment is equipped with thelight supply unit 3, and two illumination units 5 a and 5 b located attheir respective illumination positions different from each other. Thisprovides the illumination system capable of efficiently adjusting theillumination intensities at the two illumination positions and capableof efficiently radiating the heat of the light emitting devices 39 a-39g.

First Modified Embodiment

FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram showing a first modified embodimentof the light supply unit 3 of the above-described embodiment. Withreference to FIG. 10, the light supply unit 3 a of the present modifiedembodiment is further provided with a cooling device 44, in addition tothe configuration of the light supply unit 3 of the above embodiment.The cooling device 44 is a device for cooling the light emitting devices39 a-39 g, and adopts, for example, an air cooling or water coolingsystem. In the present modified embodiment the cooling device 44 iscontained in the housing 32 and connected to the substrate 37. When thelight supply unit 3 is provided with the cooling device 44 as in thisconfiguration, the unit is able to more efficiently radiate the heatgenerated in the light emitting devices 39 a-39 g.

Second Modified Embodiment

FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram showing a second modified embodimentof the light supply unit 3 of the above-described embodiment. Withreference to FIG. 11, the light supply unit 3 b of the present modifiedembodiment is further provided with a water heater 48, in addition tothe configuration of the light supply unit 3 of the aforementionedembodiment. The water heater 48 is preferably contained in the housing32. The water heater 48 is a device for heating water by the heat fromthe light emitting devices 39 a-39 g. The light supply unit 3 b of thepresent modified embodiment is provided with a radiator plate 46 insteadof the radiator plate 43 of the aforementioned embodiment. The radiatorplate 46 provides the water heater 48 the heat transmitted through thesubstrate 37 from the light emitting devices 39 a-39 g. The water heater48 heats cool water C flowing in a tube, by the heat from the radiatorplate 46, and supplies hot water H to the outside. When the light supplyunit 3 b is provided with the water heater 48 as in this configuration,the heat of the light emitting devices 39 a-39 g can be suitably reused.Methods of reusing the heat of the light emitting devices 39 a-39 g arenot limited to the water heater 48, but it is also possible to use theheat of the light emitting devices 39 a-39 g, for example, for heatingor the like by use of a heat accumulator 58 having a heat accumulationmaterial such as paraffin. The heat accumulator 58 is preferablycontained in the housing 32.

Third Modified Embodiment

FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram showing a third modified embodimentof the light supply unit 3 of the aforementioned embodiment. Withreference to FIG. 12, the light supply unit 3 c of the present modifiedembodiment is provided with a battery 45, instead of the converter 33and plug 40 of the aforementioned embodiment. The battery 45 iselectrically connected through wire 47 to the controller 31 and suppliesa DC power P3 for driving of the light emitting devices 39 a-39 g, tothe controller 31. The battery 45 is preferably contained in the housing32. The battery 45 can be selected, for example, from rechargeablestorage cells (batteries) and dry cells. When the light supply unit 3 cis provided with the battery 45 as in this configuration, it becomesfeasible to readily equip a moving object with the light supply unit 3c. Furthermore, it also becomes feasible to carry the light supply unit3 c if it is constructed in relatively small size.

Fourth Modified Embodiment

FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram showing a fourth modified embodimentof the light supply unit 3 of the aforementioned embodiment. Withreference to FIG. 13, the light supply unit 3 d of the present modifiedembodiment is equipped with a storage battery 63, instead of theconverter 33 and plug 40 of the aforementioned embodiment. The lightsupply unit 3 d of the present modified embodiment is further providedwith a solar cell 62. The storage battery 63 is preferably contained inthe housing 32. The storage battery 63 is electrically connected throughwire 61 a to the solar cell 62 and is also electrically connectedthrough wire 61 b to the controller 31. The solar cell 62 receivessunlight to generate power P4, and supplies the power P4 through wire 61a to the storage battery 63. The storage battery 63 is charged by thepower P4 from the solar cell 62. The storage battery 63 supplies asupply voltage P5 for driving the light emitting devices 39 a-39 g, tothe controller 31. When the light supply unit 3 d is equipped with thesolar cell 62 and storage battery 63 as in this configuration, the unitcan semipermanently operate without supply of power from the outside.

Fifth Modified Embodiment

FIG. 14 is a configuration diagram showing a fifth modified embodimentof the light supply unit 3 of the aforementioned embodiment. Withreference to FIG. 14, the light supply unit 3 e of the present modifiedembodiment is further provided with a slot 67, in addition to theconfiguration of the aforementioned embodiment. The light supply unit 3e is equipped with a plurality of modules 49 a and 49 b. The slot 67 iscontained in the housing 32. The slot 67 detachably holds the substrate37 of the module 49 a or 49 b, so that the module 49 a and the module 49b can be replaced with each other. In the present modified embodimentthe module 49 a has the same configuration as the module 49 of theaforementioned embodiment. The module 49 b has four light emittingdevices 65 a-65 d, instead of the light emitting devices 39 a-39 g ofthe module 49 of the aforementioned embodiment. The light emittingdevices 65 a-65 d are, for example, LEDs or LDs with a differentemission wavelength from that of the light emitting devices 39 a-39 g;the light emitting devices 65 a and 65 b correspond to the optical fibergroup 7 a and the light emitting devices 65 c and 65 d correspond to theoptical fiber group 7 b.

When the light supply unit 3 e is provided with the slot 67 as in thisconfiguration, it becomes feasible to replace the module with anotherdifferent in the number of light emitting devices, arrangement of lightemitting devices, the emission wavelength, or the like in accordancewith need or preference. When the unit is provided with a plurality ofslots 67, it becomes easy to provide the unit with extensibility, e.g.,increase in the number of light emitting devices.

FIRST EXAMPLE

FIG. 15 is an illustration showing a first example of the illuminationsystem according to the aforementioned embodiment and modifiedembodiments. As shown in FIG. 15, the illumination system can be used asillumination apparatus in a house. In the present example, the lightsupply unit 3 is further provided with optical fiber groups 7 c and 7 d,in addition to the optical fiber groups 7 a and 7 b. The illuminationsystem of the present example is further provided with illuminationunits 5 c and 5 d, in addition to the illumination units 5 a and 5 b. Inthe present example, the main body 30 is located outdoors. Theillumination units 5 a-5 c are placed on the ceiling or on the wallsurface so as to illuminate the interior. The illumination unit 5 d isused as a backlight of a liquid crystal display.

SECOND EXAMPLE

FIG. 16 is an illustration showing a second example of the illuminationsystem according to the aforementioned embodiment and modifiedembodiments. As shown in FIG. 16, the illumination system according tothe aforementioned embodiment and modified embodiments can be used asillumination apparatus for each house in a housing complex such as acondominium building. In the present example, the illumination system isequipped with a plurality of light supply units 3 b of the secondmodified embodiment described above. An optical fiber bundle 7 e extendsfrom the main body 30 of each light supply unit 3 b to each house. Theoptical fiber bundle 7 e includes optical fiber groups each extending toat least two houses (six houses in the present modified embodiment).Illumination units different in purpose and shape are used in therespective houses, and these illumination units are controlled centrallyby the light supply units 3 b. The light supply units 3 b are preferablycontrolled by radio communication from each house.

A pipe extending from water heaters 48 (cf. FIG. 11) of the light supplyunits 3 b is connected to a hot water tank 48 a. The above-describedillumination system as in this example is able to efficiently reuse theheat generated by illumination of each house in the housing complex.

THIRD EXAMPLE

FIG. 17 is an illustration showing a third example of the illuminationsystem according to the aforementioned embodiment and modifiedembodiments. As shown in FIG. 17, the illumination system can be used asillumination apparatus for a vehicle such as a car. In the presentexample, the illumination system is equipped with the light supply unit3 c of the third modified embodiment described above. Specifically, thelight supply unit 3 c of the present example receives supply of powerfrom a battery mounted on the vehicle. The light supply unit 3 c of thepresent example is cooled by a cooling device 71. The cooling device 71can be, for example, a radiator of a car. The light supply unit 3 c isprovided with optical fiber groups 7 a-7 e extending from the main body30 to illumination units 5 a-5 e. These optical fiber groups 7 a-7 e maybe integrally constructed as an optical harness. The illumination units5 a and 5 b are arranged as left and right taillights. The illuminationunit 5 c is arranged as an interior light. The illumination units 5 dand 5 e are arranged as left and right headlights.

In the present example, the optical fiber groups 7 d and 7 e extendingto the illumination units 5 d and 5 e (headlights) are arranged in ahigh-temperature engine room and thus are preferably optical fibers withhigh heat resistance according to need.

Where the above illumination system is mounted on a vehicle such as acar as in the present example, it becomes feasible to efficiently adjustthe light intensities of the two headlights, the interior light, and thetaillights. In general the headlights are housed in narrow spaces whereheat radiation is poor. To the contrary, the present example achievesefficient radiation of the heat generated by illumination of theheadlights, interior light, and taillights, by the cooling device suchas the radiator.

FOURTH EXAMPLE

FIG. 18 is an illustration showing a fourth example of the illuminationsystem according to the aforementioned embodiment and modifiedembodiments. As shown in FIG. 18, the illumination system can be used asportable illumination apparatus. In the present example the illuminationsystem is equipped with the light supply unit 3 c of the third modifiedembodiment described above. Namely, the light supply unit 3 c isequipped with the battery 45 (cf. FIG. 12). The light supply unit 3 c isprovided with the optical fiber groups 7 a and 7 b extending from themain body 30 to the illumination units 5 a and 5 b. In the presentexample the illumination unit 5 a is arranged as a head lamp. Theillumination unit 5 b is arranged as a flashlight.

FIFTH EXAMPLE

FIG. 19 is an illustration showing a fifth example of the illuminationsystem according to the aforementioned embodiment and modifiedembodiments. As shown in FIG. 19, the illumination system can be used asstreet lamps and traffic signals. In the present example theillumination system is equipped with the light supply unit 3 d of thefourth modified embodiment described above. Namely, the light supplyunit 3 d is provided with the solar cell 62 and storage battery (cf.FIG. 13), and is configured to store power during the day. The main body30 of the light supply unit 3 d is buried in the ground so as not toimpede traffic. The light supply unit 3 d is provided with optical fibergroups 7 a-7 d extending from the main body 30 to illumination units 5a-5 d. In the present example the illumination unit 5 a is arranged as astreet lamp. The illumination units 5 b-5 d are arranged as a blue lamp,a yellow lamp, and a red lamp of a traffic signal.

SIXTH EXAMPLE

FIG. 20 is an illustration showing a sixth example of the illuminationsystem according to the aforementioned embodiment and modifiedembodiments. As shown in FIG. 20, the illumination system can be used asillumination for an attic of a house and as illumination for anunderground utility room. The present illumination system permittingfree arrangement of the main body 30 of the light supply unit 3 issuitably used at narrow ill-ventilated places like the attic and utilityroom. Specifically, the main body 30 is located at a well-ventilatedplace, e.g., outdoors or in a ventilation hole, whereby the heatgenerated from the light emitting devices can be properly radiated. Theillumination units 5 a and 5 b are compact because of no need for thepower source, the control circuit, etc., and thus can be suitablyinstalled even at a narrow place. The optical fiber groups extending tothe narrow places such as the attic and utility room can be thin opticalfiber cables like the under carpet type that can be laid through anarrow space.

SEVENTH EXAMPLE

FIG. 21 is an illustration showing a seventh example of the illuminationsystem according to the aforementioned embodiment and modifiedembodiments. As shown in FIG. 21, the illumination system can be used asillumination apparatus for a water tank. In the present example, theillumination units 5 a and 5 b are located in the water tank 86. Themain body 30 of the light supply unit 3 is located outside the watertank 86. Since the illumination units 5 a and 5 b according to theforegoing embodiment and modified embodiments do not have to be equippedwith the electric circuit and the power supply, they have relativelyhigh water resistance and thus require no special waterproof equipment.For illuminating the interior of the water tank 86 as in the presentexample, therefore, the illumination units 5 a and 5 b are placed insidethe water tank 86 to achieve appropriate illumination. In cases wherethe optical fiber group 7 a or 7 b is brought into contact with water,the optical fibers to be used can be those with high water resistance.

Without being restricted to the above-mentioned embodiments, the presentinvention can be modified in various manners. For example, the foregoingembodiment and examples adopted the configuration wherein eachillumination unit had the radiowave output terminal to send theindication signal to the light supply unit by radio. The transmissionmethod of the indication signal-does not have to be limited to this. Itis also possible to transmit the indication signal as an optical signalthrough a communication optical fiber connecting the illumination unitto the light supply unit. It is also possible to transmit the indicationsignal as an electric signal through a communication line connecting theillumination unit with the light supply unit. Another potential way isto transmit the indication signal directly from a remote controller or apersonal computer to the light supply unit. Particularly, use of thepersonal computer facilitates adjustment of light distribution throughadjustment of light intensity balance of the semiconductor lightemitting devices, or the energy saving operation through temporalcontrol of the light intensity and on/off.

In the aforementioned embodiment and examples, the LEDs and LDs wereexemplified as the semiconductor light emitting devices of the lightsupply unit, but the semiconductor light emitting devices can be anyother devices.

The controller of the light supply unit is preferably provided with theCPU and memory. But it is also possible to adopt a configuration whereina computer disposed outside the light supply unit is arranged totransmit and receive signals to and from the controller in the lightsupply unit, and wherein the computer performs part of the control onthe light emitting states of the semiconductor light emitting devices.

1. A light supply unit comprising: at least two optical fiber groupsincluding a plurality of optical fibers having first ends and secondends; a plurality of semiconductor light emitting devices; a pluralityof optical connectors, provided for the respective semiconductor lightemitting devices, for optically connecting the first ends of the opticalfibers to the respective semiconductor light emitting devices; acontroller, electrically connected to the semiconductor light emittingdevices, for controlling light emissions of the semiconductor lightemitting devices; a substrate on which the semiconductor light emittingdevices are mounted; a housing containing the substrate and thecontroller; and a cooling device, contained in the housing, for coolingthe semiconductor light emitting devices; wherein said optical fibergroups extend from the first ends to respective illumination positionsdifferent from each other.
 2. The light supply unit according to claim1, further comprising a battery, contained in the housing andelectrically connected to the controller, for supplying a power to thecontroller for driving the semiconductor light emitting devices.
 3. Thelight supply unit according to claim 1, further comprising a converter,contained in the housing and electrically connected to the controller,for converting an AC power supplied from the outside, into a DC powersupplied to the controller.
 4. The light supply unit according to claim1, further comprising: a storage battery, contained in the housing andelectrically connected to the controller, for supplying a power to thecontroller for driving the semiconductor light emitting devices; and asolar cell, electrically connected to the storage battery, for chargingthe storage battery.
 5. The light supply unit according to claim 1,further comprising a communicator, contained in the housing andelectrically connected to the controller, for receiving from the outsidean indication signal indicating the light emissions of the semiconductorlight emitting devices, and for providing the indication signal for thecontroller.
 6. The light supply unit according to claim 1, furthercomprising a water heater, contained in the housing, making use of heatgenerated from the semiconductor light emitting devices.
 7. The lightsupply unit according to claim 1, further comprising a heat accumulator,contained in the housing, making use of heat generated from thesemiconductor light emitting devices.
 8. The light supply unit accordingto claim 1, further comprising a slot, contained in the housing, forholding the substrate detachably.
 9. The light supply unit according toclaim 1, further comprising a recorder, contained in the housing andelectrically connected to the controller, for recording operation logsof the semiconductor light emitting devices.
 10. The light supply unitaccording to claim 1, wherein said controller comprises: a memory havinga program stored for controlling the light emissions of thesemiconductor light emitting devices; and a CPU for reading the programfrom the memory and executing the program.
 11. The light supply unitaccording to claim 10, wherein said controller temporally controls lightintensities of the semiconductor light emitting devices.
 12. The lightsupply unit according to claim 1, further comprising an output terminal,electrically connected to the controller, for outputting operation logdata of the semiconductor light emitting devices to the outside.
 13. Thelight supply unit according to claim 1, which is equipped in a vehicle.14. The light supply unit according to claim 1, further comprising acolor filter optically coupled to at least one of the second ends of theoptical fibers.
 15. The light supply unit according to claim 1, furthercomprising a light diffusing filter optically coupled to at least one ofthe second ends of the optical fibers.
 16. The light supply unitaccording to claim 1, wherein said semiconductor light emitting devicesare blue light emitting diodes.
 17. The light supply unit according toclaim 16, further comprising a fluorescent part, optically coupled toone of the second ends of the optical fibers, excited by blue lightemitted from one of the blue light emitting diodes to emit visible lightof a longer wavelength than the blue light.
 18. The light supply unitaccording to claim 1, wherein said semiconductor light emitting devicesare ultraviolet light emitting diodes.
 19. The light supply unitaccording to claim 18, further comprising a fluorescent part, opticallycoupled to one of the second ends of the optical fibers, excited byultraviolet light emitted from one of the ultraviolet light emittingdiodes to emit visible light of a longer wavelength than the ultravioletlight.
 20. The light supply unit according to claim 1, wherein saidsemiconductor light emitting devices are blue laser diodes.
 21. Thelight supply unit according to claim 20, further comprising afluorescent part, optically coupled to one of the second ends of theoptical fibers, excited by blue light emitted from one of the blue laserdiodes to emit visible light of a longer wavelength than the blue light.22. The light supply unit according to claim 1, wherein saidsemiconductor light emitting devices are ultraviolet laser diodes. 23.The light supply unit according to claim 22, further comprising afluorescent part, optically coupled to one of the second ends of theoptical fibers, excited by ultraviolet light emitted from one of theultraviolet laser diodes to emit visible light of a longer wavelengththan the ultraviolet light.
 24. An illumination unit used with the lightsupply unit as defined in claim 1 and located at the illuminationposition comprising: a holder for holding at least one of the secondends of the optical fibers in one of the optical fiber groups.
 25. Theillumination unit according to claim 24, further comprising a colorfilter optically coupled to at least one of the second ends of theoptical fibers.
 26. The illumination unit according to claim 24, furthercomprising a light diffusing filter optically coupled to at least one ofthe second ends of the optical fibers.
 27. The illumination unitaccording to claim 24, further comprising a light reflector opticallycoupled to at least one of the second ends of the optical fibers. 28.The illumination unit according to claim 24, further comprising a lensoptically coupled to at least one of the second ends of the opticalfibers.
 29. The illumination unit according to claim 24, which isequipped in a vehicle.
 30. The illumination unit according to claim 24,further comprising: a fluorescent part, optically coupled to at leastone of the second ends of the optical fibers, excited by blue light toemit visible light of a longer wavelength than the blue light.
 31. Theillumination unit according to claim 24, further comprising: afluorescent part, optically coupled to at least one of the second endsof the optical fibers, excited by ultraviolet light to emit visiblelight of a longer wavelength than the ultraviolet light.
 32. Anillumination system comprising: said light supply unit as defined inclaim 1; and at least two illumination units as defined in claim 24,located at the illumination positions different from each other.
 33. Theillumination system according to claim 32, which is equipped in avehicle, wherein two of the illumination units are arranged asheadlights.
 34. The illumination system according to claim 32, which isequipped in a vehicle, wherein one of the illumination units is arrangedas an interior light.
 35. The illumination system according to claim 32,which is equipped in a vehicle, wherein one of the illumination units isarranged as a taillight.